Topical Bible: Isaiah: Comforts Hezekiah in his Affliction

◄ Isaiah: Comforts Hezekiah in his Affliction ►

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Background

Isaiah, one of the major prophets in the Old Testament, played a significant role during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. Hezekiah, known for his faithfulness to God, faced numerous challenges, including a life-threatening illness and the threat of Assyrian invasion. Isaiah's interactions with Hezekiah are pivotal, showcasing the prophet's role as a divine messenger and comforter.

Hezekiah's Illness and Isaiah's Prophecy

In 2 Kings 20 and Isaiah 38, we find the account of Hezekiah's severe illness. The king was "sick and near death" (2 Kings 20:1). Isaiah, the son of Amoz, was sent by God to deliver a grave message: "Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover" (2 Kings 20:1). This pronouncement deeply distressed Hezekiah, who turned his face to the wall and prayed earnestly to the Lord, reminding God of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion.

God, in His mercy, responded to Hezekiah's prayer. Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him again, instructing him to return to Hezekiah with a message of hope: "I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day, you will go up to the house of the Lord" (2 Kings 20:5). God promised to add fifteen years to Hezekiah's life and deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat.

The Sign of the Sun's Shadow

To confirm this promise, Hezekiah asked for a sign. Isaiah offered a miraculous sign: the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz would move backward ten steps. This extraordinary event served as a divine assurance of God's promise to heal Hezekiah and protect Jerusalem (2 Kings 20:8-11).

Isaiah's Role as Comforter

Isaiah's role in comforting Hezekiah extends beyond the physical healing. He provided spiritual reassurance and guidance, reminding the king of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Isaiah's prophecies and counsel were instrumental in strengthening Hezekiah's faith during times of crisis.

Hezekiah's Psalm of Thanksgiving

In response to his recovery, Hezekiah composed a psalm of thanksgiving, recorded in Isaiah 38:9-20. This psalm reflects Hezekiah's gratitude and renewed commitment to praise God. He acknowledges the Lord's deliverance and expresses a desire to walk humbly before God all his days.

Isaiah's Influence on Hezekiah's Reign

Isaiah's influence on Hezekiah's reign was profound. As a prophet, he provided divine guidance and counsel, helping the king navigate political and spiritual challenges. Isaiah's messages emphasized trust in God rather than reliance on foreign alliances or military might. His prophecies and actions reinforced the importance of faith and obedience to God's will.

Conclusion

Isaiah's interactions with Hezekiah highlight the prophet's role as a conduit of God's comfort and assurance. Through Isaiah, God demonstrated His power to heal, deliver, and fulfill His promises, reinforcing the central biblical theme of divine faithfulness and mercy.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 20:1-11
In those days was Hezekiah sick to death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, Thus said the LORD, Set your house in order; for you shall die, and not live.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 38:1
In those days was Hezekiah sick to death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, Thus said the LORD, Set your house in order: for you shall die, and not live.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Apocalypse of Baruch.
... In it he comforts his distant brethren under their trials with the remembrance that ...
in the destruction of the host of Sennacherib in Hezekiah's reign ... Isaiah 4:18 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the apocalypse of baruch.htm

Secondly, to Assign Some Reasons Why Christians must Make this the ...
... If with Hezekiah thou art humbled for the evils of ... So Isaiah, 55: 7. " Let the wicked
forsake his ... great stranger to assurance, and the comforts following from ...
/.../flavel/on keeping the heart/secondly to assign some reasons.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... of a share in His word and righteousness, and to the comforts and first ... Isaiah
9:6. ... He would let David, Hezekiah, Solomon, Peter, and others, fall; but He would ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Chastisement
... Abraham, Daniel, Jeremy, Isaiah, Malachi, answer; and unanimously ye cry, "There
is ... Answer Hezekiah! ... and how few there are that have the comforts of religion ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/chastisement.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... But when God throws down the comforts of his Spirit ... Like a crane, so did I chatter'
(Isaiah 38:14 ... Good Hezekiah looked upon his praying as chattering, yet that ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... in trouble, that they had rather bear their afflictions than want their comforts. ...
Isaiah 38:17. ... O,' said Hezekiah, Thou hast in love to my soul, delivered me ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... they are condemned to die, but Peter comforts John by ... of Israel." Turn to the pages
of Isaiah, and mark ... When Hezekiah lay sick unto death, he turned his face ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... I might come to Hezekiah, Jehoshaphat, Josias; with old Simeon ... if grace by Christ
preventeth not (Isaiah 66:24 ... The comforts of the gospel, the sweetness of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... are wrapped up, which is ordered for them in all things, and sure (2 Samuel 23:5;
Isaiah 55:3). Besides, God has purposed to magnify the riches of his grace in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... fear is that which you read of in Isaiah 2, and ... these fears plain assertions that
thy first comforts were either ... or from the devil, and a fruit of his delusions ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm